Resources for Volunteer Management

Each volunteer hour in 2026 = $36.99 (The Independent Sector)

If you recruit volunteers, coordinate events, or manage a nonprofit, consider the benefits of the Volunteer Engagement Training Program (VETP), developed by Points of Light and its HandsOn Network affiliates like Volunteer Alexandria.  Designed for nonprofit professionals who manage volunteers, this program covers the full volunteer engagement cycle, from planning and recruitment to onboarding, support, reflection, and evaluation. Gain practical tools, fresh perspectives, and strategies you can apply directly to your organization.

*** Registration for the Fall 2026 Volunteer Engagement Training Program is now live! Review the content and sign up. The first session is Thursday, October 8th. ***

Resources for Leadership

Board Impact Program (BIP) - April 29, 2027

This program helps leaders maximize their contribution to nonprofits. BIP is a training and optional matching service. This program also matches nonprofit organizations seeking trained board members. Participants will learn the basics about boards, roles, and responsibilities; hear from professional fundraisers, certified public accountants, and nonprofit leaders; and participate in an optional “speed” matching service.

ELIGIBILITY to participate in matching service: 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations in the Alexandria area may apply if they have a Board of Directors, D&O insurance, a minimum annual budget of $100,000, and a mission that benefits the Alexandria community. VolALX does not accept nonprofits that promote specific religious or political beliefs.

DEADLINE: Complete the application by April 9, 2027. The application will require approximately 30 minutes to complete and should be completed by the organization's leadership (Executive Director or CEO).

MANDATORY TRAINING FOR NEW NONPROFITS: To ensure the best board placements, prospective nonprofits must first attend a Mandatory Virtual Board training at 10:00 am on April 13, 2027, for all nonprofit Executive Directors and/or Nominating Chairs.

TIMING OF NONPROFIT SELECTION Mid-April: VolALX will match prospective Board candidates to nonprofit participants. The goal is that participating candidates receive between 1 and 3 matches. April 29: Prospective Board candidates will attend a day-long in-person Board Impact training. Participating nonprofits will join the 1-3 prospective candidates to do a “speed matching.”

REGISTER ONLINE. Learn more about the program. Download the flyer.

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Volunteer Management Guides

• Review our Managing Volunteers at a Nonprofit Organization Guide to help you get started and run your program. 
• Toolkit Engaging Virtual Volunteers - Recruit, Ready, and Retain a Powerful Pool of Talent
• Be sure to become a member of the Northern Virginia Association of Volunteer Administrators (NVAVA). NVAVA promotes professionalism in volunteer administration, offers educational opportunities for members, and provides a forum for the mutual exchange of ideas. It also provides networking opportunities among members and increases awareness and cooperation among organizations that utilize volunteers. Learn more about NVAVA and register your organization.

Organizations

• Points of Light Institute. Hosts National Volunteer Week and a national conference.
• Serve Virginia. Virginia Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service.

Online resources

• Energize, Inc. Susan J. Ellis's site, "especially for leaders of volunteers."  Includes a volunteer management bookstore, library, referral network, job bank, monthly essays with responses welcomed, etc.
• E-Volunteerism. This “electronic journal of the volunteer community" is edited by Susan J. Ellis and Steve McCurley.  It includes articles, discussion groups, and other information on volunteer management.  
• Volunteer Today. Managed by volunteerism consultant Nancy Macduff, this site is an electronic gazette for volunteerism.  Particularly helpful is the current news in the field and a calendar of events.